Music Scene: Robert Randolph and the Family Band, George Porter Jr., Yarn

Robert Randolph and the Family Band

In 2003, Robert Randolph and the Family Band was cruising through its headlining tour in the wake of its highly successful studio debut, “Unclassified.”

At the time, the band was beginning to receive some national attention, but it was merely a sample of what was in store for the New Jersey blues/funk/soul group.

It was no secret that the band’s standout was front man, singer and pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph. The young Randolph was mesmerizing during live performances, and his prowess on the slide guitar led legendary songwriter and guitarist Eric Clapton to invite the band on multiple tours as well as make an appearance on the band’s 2006 sophomore album, “Colorblind.”

To date, Randolph has been asked to make guest appearances with Buddy Guy, Kirk Hammett and Elton John, and earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Guitarists of All Time list. The band released its fourth studio album, “Lickety Split,” in July.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band will perform Thursday at the Music Farm, 32 Ann St., with Michael Bellar & The As-Is Ensemble, Under Great Lights. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 the day of the show, and are available at the Music Farm box office or online at Etix.com. The doors open at 8 p.m. with the show slated to begin at 9 p.m.

George Porter Jr.

Accolades seem endless for legendary bass man George Porter Jr.

The New Orleans native was a pivotal member of the legendary funk band The Meters beginning in 1965. As co-founder, bassist and singer, Porter helped take The Meters to the forefront of the funk movement and became one of the recognized godfathers of the genre itself.

While his bass playing has led him to collaborate with some of music’s most recognizable names, such as Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer, Patti Labelle, Jimmy Buffett and Tori Amos, Porter still finds time to head several projects of his own.

George Porter Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners is one of those projects, and one that incorporates a large brass section for an added depth into the funk landscape for which Porter is known.

The group will perform Thursday at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway. Doors open at 9 p.m. with the show starting at 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available online at Etix.com or at the door.

Yarn

A country/Americana band from Brooklyn may seem questionable or ill fitting, like a gimmick, but for Yarn, it makes perfect sense.

Almost anywhere else and Yarn might be pigeonholed as just another country band or lost in the masses of Americana bands. In New York, however, Yarn’s roots-rock and country style is more progressive than familiar.

It’s not just Yarn’s location that sets the band apart. The music nestles itself into significance through sing-a-long choruses and superior musicianship that wanders from Appalachian-style and toe-tapping bluegrass to backwoods blues and subtle rock.

Yarn will perform Saturday at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway, with Folk Soul Revival. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the day of the show. Doors open at 9 p.m. with the show starting at 10 p.m.

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